basics

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A bothy is a basic shelter, usually left unlocked and available for anyone to use free of charge. It was also a term for basic accommodation, usually for shepherds, stalkers or other workers on an estate.

Where can I find out about Bothies?

The Mountain Bothy Association has a great website, visit by clicking HERE.

Round the Bothy fire, ‘ the bothy TV’ is another great source for information. The more bothies you visit the more information you can perhaps extract from fellow visitors ( application of alcohol may be required). There are many Bothies that aren’t documented, mainly on private grounds such as estates.

As bothies are located in such remote places some are affected by deer stalking and other estate activities. The MBA detail contact info and activity timings. This could restrict access and some bothies may be closed for a duration.

Outdoor access Scotland – Hill Phones , is also a provider of Stalking information. Visit the site by clicking HERE.

The call of nature. If you need to go, you need to go. There’s usually a spade at each bothy, this isn’t for turning over the flower beds! Out with the vicinity of the bothy and away from any water courses.

Always leave a bothy as you found it, if anything, in better condition. Take all rubbish back out with you. Leaving any spare fuel or scavenging some wood for the next person is good practice.